Washington’s High Speed Chase Policy

A high speed chase through at least 3 counties in the Des Moines Metro area early Thursday morning resulted in the death of the driver fleeing authorities, and the recovery of a missing child. Speeds reached during the chase approached 140mph. Washington Police Chief Greg Goodman says that a variety of factors influence chases in Washington. Road and traffic conditions, location, the time of day, and the type of crime that has been committed are among the factors influencing decisions on whether or not to engage in a chase, and whether or not to call if off. Goodman says department policy leaves the authority to call off the chase to a supervisor listening in on the radio, who is not directly involved. Goodman adds that Washington is fortunate that chases are rare, and that no one has been seriously injured in one.